Kudzu

Kudzu (/ˈkuːdzu, ˈkʊd-, ˈkʌd-/), also called Japanese arrowroot or Chinese arrowroot,^[1][2] is a kind of vine from East Asia, and Southeast Asia.^[2] The plant is invasive in North America, and some other parts of the world.

Kudzu smothering trees in Atlanta, Georgia, US

The vine grows very rapidly and hurts other plants.^[3] The name is comes from the Japanese name Lua error in Module:Nihongo at line 88: attempt to call field '_transl' (a nil value)..^[4] The plant is edible.^[3]

Uses

Soil improvement and preservation

Kudzu is used to stop soil erosion. As a legume, it increases the nitrogen in the soil by a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.^[5] It has deep roots that pull nutrients up to the surface.^[6]

Animal feed

Kudzu is often used to feed farm animals.^[3]

Basket making

Kudzu is often used to make baskets.^[7]

A basket made out of Kudzu

Food

Kudzu roots are ground up to make a powder called Kudzu powder. Kudzu powder is used in many asian foods.^[8]

Kuzumochi, a Japanese pudding made from Kudzu